Cairo, Egypt's sprawling capital, is a dynamic metropolis where millennia of history pulse alongside the energy of modern city life. Renowned as the gateway to the ancient pyramids, Cairo wows visitors with its singular blend of the old and new. Here, the city hums with life—markets overflow with exotic scents and sounds, and the chaotic rhythm on city streets is both exhilarating and utterly unique.
The city’s main draws are its legendary monuments, most famously the nearby Giza Pyramid complex, where you can gaze up at ancient feats of engineering and contemplate the enigmatic Sphinx. Within Cairo proper, the Egyptian Museum houses unrivaled treasures, including the golden mask of Tutankhamun. Don’t miss the medieval alleys of Islamic Cairo, where the towering minarets and mosques, like the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, reveal centuries of craftsmanship and faith.
Cairo’s neighborhoods each tell a different story, from the artistic spirit of Zamalek to the lively lanes of Khan El Khalili bazaar. Street vendors serve up fragrant koshari and sweet pastries, and locals are quick to strike up a conversation or offer directions. Despite its massive scale, Cairo has a tight-knit feel—you’ll notice locals lingering over mint tea or enjoying a shisha in open-air cafés, especially on Nile-side promenades.
Getting around Cairo means embracing both the adventure and unpredictability of its traffic, but taxis and an extensive metro system make reaching the major sights manageable, especially with a bit of patience. Accommodations vary from grand historic hotels to modern chains and budget-friendly guesthouses. Sampling the city’s street food is a must, though plenty of upscale restaurants line the river as well.
Travelers should plan for hot weather most of the year, with the most comfortable months between October and April. Early mornings are ideal for visiting the pyramids before crowds and midday heat descend. Staying central allows easy access to Cairo's highlights, and brushing up on a few Egyptian Arabic phrases goes a long way with locals.
The city’s main draws are its legendary monuments, most famously the nearby Giza Pyramid complex, where you can gaze up at ancient feats of engineering and contemplate the enigmatic Sphinx. Within Cairo proper, the Egyptian Museum houses unrivaled treasures, including the golden mask of Tutankhamun. Don’t miss the medieval alleys of Islamic Cairo, where the towering minarets and mosques, like the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, reveal centuries of craftsmanship and faith.
Cairo’s neighborhoods each tell a different story, from the artistic spirit of Zamalek to the lively lanes of Khan El Khalili bazaar. Street vendors serve up fragrant koshari and sweet pastries, and locals are quick to strike up a conversation or offer directions. Despite its massive scale, Cairo has a tight-knit feel—you’ll notice locals lingering over mint tea or enjoying a shisha in open-air cafés, especially on Nile-side promenades.
Getting around Cairo means embracing both the adventure and unpredictability of its traffic, but taxis and an extensive metro system make reaching the major sights manageable, especially with a bit of patience. Accommodations vary from grand historic hotels to modern chains and budget-friendly guesthouses. Sampling the city’s street food is a must, though plenty of upscale restaurants line the river as well.
Travelers should plan for hot weather most of the year, with the most comfortable months between October and April. Early mornings are ideal for visiting the pyramids before crowds and midday heat descend. Staying central allows easy access to Cairo's highlights, and brushing up on a few Egyptian Arabic phrases goes a long way with locals.
Expected Weekly Budget
$800–$1200 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
- Explore the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square
- Wander through Khan El Khalili market
- Climb to the Citadel of Saladin
- Stroll along the Nile Corniche at sunset
- Marvel at the mosques of Islamic Cairo
- Visit the Coptic Quarter and Hanging Church
- Try local Egyptian street food like koshari and falafel
Notable Sites
- Pyramids of Giza
- Great Sphinx of Giza
- Egyptian Museum
- Khan El Khalili
- Mosque of Muhammad Ali
- Cairo Citadel
- Coptic Hanging Church
- Al-Azhar Mosque
General Advice
Cairo offers a fascinating immersion into history and modern Egyptian life, so prioritize comfort and an open mind when exploring its busy streets. Take your time with the major sights, but also leave space to wander through local neighborhoods and interact with residents for a deeper experience. Staying centrally will cut down on travel time, and joining small-group tours can enrich your understanding of ancient sites and daily culture.
Security & Safety
Cairo is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas like busy markets and public transport. Remain alert with valuables, avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar districts, and be cautious when crossing busy roads due to unpredictable traffic. Women travelers are advised to dress modestly to respect local customs and minimize unwanted attention.
Travel Tips
- Use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth.
- Negotiate taxi fares before starting your ride or use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem.
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
- Start your sightseeing early to avoid crowds and heat.
- Carry small change for tipping and small purchases.
- Keep a copy of your passport and travel documents.
- Download offline maps to help navigate the city.
- Learn basic Egyptian Arabic greetings and phrases.
Similar Destinations
Photo Gallery
Loading photos...
Traveler Comments
Visited in March 2024
I finally made it to Cairo and seeing the Pyramids of Giza up close felt surreal. The Egyptian Museum was packed but totally worth it for the ancient artifacts. Loved wandering around Khan El Khalili—though the shopkeepers can be a bit persistent. The city is busy and loud, but always felt friendly.
Traveled here in November 2023
As someone who loves history, this city was a dream. Exploring Islamic Cairo was a highlight, especially the Al-Azhar Mosque. Traffic can be overwhelming, so plan extra time for getting places. The food scene was delicious—koshari is a must-try.
Stayed in February 2024
My family and I spent five days in Cairo and there's so much to see. Our kids were fascinated by the mummies at the museum. We took a felucca ride on the Nile at sunset, which was surprisingly peaceful compared to the city itself. Would visit again, though crossing streets is a real adventure!
Visited in May 2024
I grew up hearing about the pyramids and seeing them was incredible. The street food is second to none, and I loved having tea in Garden City. Locals were super welcoming and helped with directions more than once.
Visited in August 2023
Cairo is a place where ancient and modern clash in a good way. The heat was tough in August, and the city can be noisy, but each day felt like an adventure. The Coptic Quarter surprised me with its history and calm.
Traveled here in October 2023
Zamalek was my favorite neighborhood—relaxed, artsy, and full of great cafes. The Citadel had stunning views of the whole city. Traffic jams were the only downside, but Cairo’s energy was contagious.
Visited in January 2024
The pyramids left me speechless, and getting up close to the Sphinx was even more impressive than expected. I visited during the winter, and the weather was perfect. The metro system was pretty easy to use after a few tries.
Visited in December 2023
Had a fantastic few days solo in Cairo. I felt quite safe as a woman traveler when I dressed conservatively. The Khan El Khalili market is a sensory overload—in the best way possible! Don’t miss trying freshly made falafel.
Traveled here in April 2024
Cairo’s vibe is like nowhere else: busy, historic, and full of color. From mosques to marketplaces, there's always something to explore. Locals were very helpful, especially in Old Cairo with navigating the alleys.
Visited in June 2023
I loved the museum and seeing the city from atop the Citadel. The city was a bit overwhelming at times, but the guided tours helped a lot. The food portions are huge and delicious!
Stayed in February 2024
I brought my parents to Cairo and they adored the Nile cruises at dusk. We explored the Coptic churches, which were quiet and beautiful compared to the rest of the city. Unforgettable trip that felt like a true adventure.
Visited in September 2023
As a photographer, I couldn’t ask for a more inspiring place! The light on the pyramids at sunrise was incredible. Bargaining in the market was fun but a bit tiring after a while. Totally worth the jet lag.
Traveled here in July 2023
Packed a lot into three days and barely scratched the surface. The Hanging Church felt like stepping through time. Don’t miss the fresh juices—they saved me in the summer heat.
Visited in October 2023
Enjoyed my stay but found the crowds at major sites overwhelming. Taxis weren’t always easy to flag down, so I recommend ride-sharing apps. Still, the culture and history make up for any hassles.
Stayed in March 2024
Hands down, the Giza Plateau was the highlight of my year! Spent hours just soaking it all in. I felt safe exploring solo and met a local guide who made the history come alive.
Visited in January 2024
Cairo exceeded my expectations. The Egyptian Museum was mesmerizing. I appreciated how walkable the Coptic Quarter is—super photogenic and peaceful.
Stayed in December 2023
My wife and I mixed tours and self-guided days. The Citadel during sunset is stunning. Found the air pollution a bit challenging after a few days, but it didn’t spoil the trip.
Visited in February 2024
Took my teenage kids and they were fascinated by the stories our guide told at the pyramids. We never went hungry—Egyptian food is so flavorful! Definitely plan on returning to see what we missed.
Traveled here in May 2024
Cairo’s intensity took me by surprise, but in a good way. Loved the street art and the coffee shops in Downtown. Felt safe even at night, as long as I stayed alert.
Visited in October 2023
So many layers to this city. Mosque of Muhammad Ali was breathtaking, and I enjoyed chatting with local artists in Zamalek. Some sites get crowded and noisy, but there’s always a quieter corner if you look.
Share Your Experience
Sign in to leave a review and share your travel photos.